Overview
EN ISO 20686:2025 - Footwear: Determination of certain organic solvents - specifies a laboratory method to quantify residues of selected organic solvents in footwear materials using gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC‑MS). The standard targets solvent residues that can occur in adhesives, leather finishes, coated textiles, plastics and rubber used in footwear manufacture. It is intended to support product safety, regulatory compliance and quality control.
Key topics and technical requirements
- Scope and applicability: Measurement of solvent residues in footwear materials where solvent use is likely (e.g., glues, coatings, leather finishing).
- Analytical principle: Sample cutting and extraction with methanol, followed by GC‑MS analysis of an extract. The standard gives an extraction procedure (sealed vial, ultrasonic bath at 40 °C for 60 min) and calibration-based quantification.
- Reagents and standards: Use of analytical‑grade chemicals (methanol, acetone, nitric acid) and defined internal standards (e.g., EGMEA, EGBE, NMF) as described in the document.
- Calibration and quantification: Preparation of stock and calibration solutions for target organic solvents (see Annex A for listed solvents) and construction of calibration curves for concentration determination.
- Performance and reporting: Requirements for method performance assessment, expression of results and contents of the test report (including GC‑MS parameters and mass spectrometry characteristics given in Annexes B and C).
- Informative annexes: Annex A lists identifiable organic solvents of concern; Annex B provides GC‑MS parameter examples; Annex D includes a total ion chromatogram of solvent standards.
Practical applications and users
- Footwear manufacturers and material suppliers: Control solvent residues in components and finished products to reduce health risks and meet buyer or regulatory requirements.
- Testing and analytical laboratories: Implement standardized GC‑MS methods for routine quality control and certification testing.
- Regulatory and compliance teams: Demonstrate conformity with solvent restrictions referenced in the standard (e.g., those cited in EU regulation No 1907/2006 and other regulations).
- Product safety and R&D: Evaluate alternative processing chemistries, adhesives and finishes to minimize residual solvent content.
Related standards
- ISO 21061 - Footwear - Chemical tests - General principles on sample preparation (referenced).
- ISO 4787 - Volumetric instruments - Methods for testing capacity (referenced).
- ISO/TR 16178 - (Informative reference) guidance on materials concerned by solvent determination.
EN ISO 20686:2025 is useful for anyone conducting solvent residue testing in footwear, supporting consistent GC‑MS analysis, traceable results, and industry-wide comparability.